Workington Town have re-signed the former Whitehaven winger Oscar Doran – a player who impressed Jonty Gorley while he was coaching at the Ortus Rec.
Doran (21), who can also play centre, played junior rugby league at Kells alongside rugby union at St Benedict’s.
Early in 2023 he spent time with Newcastle Falcons and when he decided not to pursue that option he was invited down to train with Whitehaven, and later signed a contract.
In his first season he made 11 appearances and scored four tries and then made seven appearances in 2024 but suffered an injury.
Town coach Gorley said: “I signed Oscar last year for Town because I knew what he could do. Unfortunately, he had a back injury which kept him out all season.
“Once I knew he’d got his injury sorted, I jumped at the chance to sign him again.
“Oscar is an athlete, over 6ft, lean and fast – perfect attributes for a modern winger.
“He can go full length and his high ball retrieval was second-to-none and he more than held his own in the Championship against some very experienced wingers.
“I saw what he could do when he was at Whitehaven but there’s loads more in him and it will be great to see him reach his full potential at Town.”
Doran said: “I’m really happy to be signing as I feel it’s a great opportunity for me as Workington is a fantastic club with massive potential.
“I’ve known Jonty for a few years now and feel being at Workington alongside him will allow me to reach the levels I want to be at after a long spell out due to injury.”
